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And the current favourites for the Newcastle job are…

Uruguayan leading the race for Geordie hotseat

The list of candidates to replace Kevin Keegan ranges from the very popular – Alan Shearer – to the hugely unpopular – Dennis Wise. Right now though, it’s Tottenham assistant Gus Poyet who is favourite to get the job.

Here’s a rundown of the current contenders, courtesy of the handsome devils at chickendinner:

Gus Poyet
Can someone really go from being assistant manager of Leeds in League One to manager of Newcastle in less than a year? The bookies seem to think so. Poyet worked with Dennis Wise at Elland Road and many believed that his departure had a greater impact on the club’s promotion bid.

Alan Shearer
The former Newcastle striker would probably be the most popular choice with the fans but Shearer is thought to be reluctant to take charge at this point in time. While it would take some of the heat off Mike Ashley in terms of his relationship with the fans, this appointment would be a huge risk.

Dennis Wise
If Shearer would win a popularity contest between the candidates then there is no doubting that Ratboy would lose it. The highlight of his managerial career so far was taking Millwall to the 2004 FA Cup Final. Last year he got Leeds off to a great start in League One but it is argued that Poyet was really pulling the strings. Observe:

Didier Deschamps
The BBC claim that Deschamps and David Moyes are the two names being seriously considered by Ashley at the moment, and the Frenchman is willing to work in England, as shown by his attempts to get the Chelsea job this summer. Deschamps took Monaco to the Champions League final and won Serie B with Juventus after their enforced relegation.

David Moyes
The Everton boss has yet to sign a new contract at Goodison Park and was frustrated this summer by their struggle to add to the squad. However, a move to Newcastle would probably considered a backwards step from a football perspective, without even considering all the behind-the-scenes problems.

Marcelino Toral
The Spaniard took Racing Santander to sixth in La Liga last season before leaving because he didn’t feel he could take the club any further. He is currently managing Real Zaragoza in the Segunda.